1
as in controversies
variance of opinion on a matter
a dispute over the proper pronunciation of "nuclear"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in disagreements
an often noisy or angry expression of differing opinions
after much dispute, the school committee decided that all backpacks would have to be stored in lockers during class hours
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in challenges
to demand proof of the truth or rightness of
a whole slew of relatives eager to dispute his claim to being the sole heir
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in bickers
to express different opinions about something often angrily
hometown fans disputing with visiting fans over which had the better team
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in debates
to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion
in an extended session the city council disputed the need for a new high school
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of disputes
Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
The ongoing 36-day closure has sparked disputes over a range of topics — from the separation of powers and the federal workforce, to food assistance and air traffic control.
—Sam Gringlas, NPR, 5 Nov. 2025
The two sides are locked in a fight that looks similar to carriage disputes of years past.
—Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Americans work hard their whole lives to buy a home – a small piece of the American dream – but many don’t spend enough time planning to pass it on properly to their heirs, resulting in disputes and even lost property, experts said.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
At the time of publication, Fletcher had not taken any formal actions to reopen the case with those disputes.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 3 Nov. 2025
Observers say other violent conflicts arise from communal and ethnic tensions, as well as disputes between farmers and herders over limited access to land and water resources.
—Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Handling booster disputes This sort of altercation was common at colleges when athletic departments started tying donations to seat locations of season ticket packages.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2025
Lula’s optimism over a solution for the bilateral disputes has led some to believe that the 40 percent rate will either be lowered or even suspended.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
The athletic department disputes the findings of the report.
—Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Colombia disputes this, contending that Santa Rosa did not exist when the treaty was signed and therefore cannot be claimed under its terms.
—Isa Cardona, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
Meta disputes New Mexico’s claims.
—Charlotte Alter, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
Colorado has done nothing to stop Nebraska from pursuing the purchase or seizure of the Sedgwick County land needed for the canal, Weiser said, but the state maintains that Nebraska must pursue any eminent domain claims through Colorado's systems — which Nebraska disputes.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2025
Stride said its students have better attendance than the children who attend in person, which the district disputes.
—Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 14 Oct. 2025
Another source disputes those numbers.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
Khudaynazar disputes the mayor’s assessment, per the lawsuit.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
Noun
Thousands of both Christians and Muslims have been killed, with violence also stemming from non-religious disputes, such as those over natural resources.
—Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
The ongoing 36-day closure has sparked disputes over a range of topics — from the separation of powers and the federal workforce, to food assistance and air traffic control.
—Sam Gringlas, NPR, 5 Nov. 2025
The two sides are locked in a fight that looks similar to carriage disputes of years past.
—Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 4 Nov. 2025
Americans work hard their whole lives to buy a home – a small piece of the American dream – but many don’t spend enough time planning to pass it on properly to their heirs, resulting in disputes and even lost property, experts said.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 4 Nov. 2025
At the time of publication, Fletcher had not taken any formal actions to reopen the case with those disputes.
—Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 3 Nov. 2025
Observers say other violent conflicts arise from communal and ethnic tensions, as well as disputes between farmers and herders over limited access to land and water resources.
—Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
Handling booster disputes This sort of altercation was common at colleges when athletic departments started tying donations to seat locations of season ticket packages.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2025
Lula’s optimism over a solution for the bilateral disputes has led some to believe that the 40 percent rate will either be lowered or even suspended.
—Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
However, a Mace spokesperson disputes this aspect of the report, saying the congresswoman arrived at the airport at the time and location where airport and local authorities expected her.
—Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
The athletic department disputes the findings of the report.
—Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 29 Oct. 2025
Colombia disputes this, contending that Santa Rosa did not exist when the treaty was signed and therefore cannot be claimed under its terms.
—Isa Cardona, CNN Money, 23 Oct. 2025
Meta disputes New Mexico’s claims.
—Charlotte Alter, Time, 22 Oct. 2025
Colorado has done nothing to stop Nebraska from pursuing the purchase or seizure of the Sedgwick County land needed for the canal, Weiser said, but the state maintains that Nebraska must pursue any eminent domain claims through Colorado's systems — which Nebraska disputes.
—Elise Schmelzer, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2025
Stride said its students have better attendance than the children who attend in person, which the district disputes.
—Tyler Kingkade, NBC news, 14 Oct. 2025
Another source disputes those numbers.
—Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 7 Oct. 2025
Khudaynazar disputes the mayor’s assessment, per the lawsuit.
—Gayla Cawley, Boston Herald, 17 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for disputes
Noun
-
But the monarch had no choice – Andrew’s controversies have been dogging the family for years and the publication of his accuser’s posthumous memoir was the final straw.—
Max Foster,
CNN Money,
31 Oct. 2025
-
With accusations, online feuds, emotional exits, and pointed jabs traded between professional dancers and contestants, the series has seen a wave of controversies that have captivated fans.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In one of many disagreements, the FOP criticized Jennings for not allowing patrol officers to wear outer carrier vests.—
Ryan Oehrli,
Charlotte Observer,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Here’s why their disagreements keep happening and Sethi’s advice for how to manage money together better.—
Kamaron McNair,
CNBC,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
An election next week in Wyandotte County will mirror former ones for sheriff, as Celisha Towers, a former sheriff's deputy, challenges incumbent Daniel Soptic for the seat.—
Kendrick Calfee,
Kansas City Star,
31 Oct. 2025
-
The workforce challenges, tight timelines, and the requirements for building reliable chips are stricter than ever.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The pope, played by Samora la Perdida, is a mincing oaf who bickers with Galas about the value of translating Wagner.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Columbia University has found itself in major First Amendment debates − on and off campus.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
27 Oct. 2025
-
And now, many financial advisors are watching as Congress debates Affordable Care Act health insurance subsidies amid the government shutdown.—
Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,
CNBC,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
According to him, advances in machine learning have yanked questions once trapped inside theological/philosophical disputations into corporate board packs.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Hip-Hop has equally thrived on legendary quarrels and strong relationships.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
6 Oct. 2025
-
However, lovers’ quarrels or difficulty dealing with children (hissy fits or meltdowns) might occur.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
While Konnan questions her readiness, WWE is moving forward with Cargill as the brand's top female star.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Sean Grayson watches as defense attorney Mark Wykoff questions Kevin Davis, a law enforcement consultant with almost 50 years of experience in policing who has taught thousands of hours of advanced trainings on use of force.—
Selina Guevara,
NBC news,
27 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Disputes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/disputes. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share